Film Independent’s Spirit Awards is returning to Santa Monica beach for 2011.

The event will take place on February 26 in its traditional slot the day before the Academy Awards after organisers experimented with a Downtown Los Angeles location at L.A. LIVE earlier this year.

The Spirit nominations will be announced on November 30.

“We are delighted to return to the Santa Monica beach for our 26th Spirit Awards, and look forward to celebrating the afternoon with the nominees and our filmmaking community,” Film Independent executive director Dawn Hudson said.

“We have assembled a magnificent team with our longtime broadcast partner IFC, Dick Clark Productions, and new executive producer Audrey Morrissey to deliver a fun show that recognises the bold work of these independent filmmakers.”